Taoiseach expects countries to follow Ireland in recognising state of Palestine

Simon Harris also denied Israeli claims that recognising Palestine would be either rewarding Hamas or jeopardising hostages being held in Gaza

Taoiseach Simon Harris rejected some Israeli characterisation of a phone call between himself and Israeli president Isaac Herzog. Picture: Eamonn Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

A number of countries are likely to follow Ireland when it recognises the state of Palestine in the coming days, the Taoiseach has said.

In Longford on Sunday, Simon Harris said Ireland will set out its position and processes in recognition in the "coming days", with recognition coming before the end of May. Government sources have said it is likely an announcement is made after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

Mr Harris said that he had been working with "a number of countries" on recognition, and denied Israeli claims that doing so would be either rewarding Hamas or jeopardising hostages held in Gaza.

"Ireland is working with a number of like-minded countries in relation to this," he said.

We expect a number to move in the coming days and expect more to move in the coming weeks

Mr Harris rejected some Israeli characterisation of a phone call between himself and Israeli president Isaac Herzog.

"I know exactly what transpired. We had a firm, I believe, respectful conversation. I outlined the Irish position and the Irish position won't change and the Irish position is consistent, " he added.

Mr Harris hit out at what he said were attempts to mischaracterise the Irish public's views on Gaza.

"I can differentiate between a terrorist organisation and the people of Palestine. 

"Historically, the IRA was never the people of Ireland. You cannot be in favour of a two-state solution until you recognise that there are two states."

Meanwhile, Mr Harris said that part of the Government's review of arrangements for asylum seekers in Ireland would include new measures around those who have been granted leave to remain in Ireland but are still in direct provision centres.

"There are around 5,000 to 6,000 who are in direct provision accommodation, [and] who do have status. They’ve every right to be in this country. 

"They’ve been assessed as having a right to remain here. They also have every right to work in this country, and many of them probably are. 

"Many of them are probably contributing very importantly to our society.

“However, there is a legitimate question as to how long you can remain in direct provision accommodation, and there is also a legitimate question in relation to how you need to help pay your way in relation to that too. That will be looked at as part of the review.”